Newsletter 2014/III.

LIGA has also been reiterating the protection of early retirement pension schemes. The previous and actual right wing conservative government four years ago abolished the early retirement benefits of workers in extremely difficult, often even dangerous conditions. The debate has been going on for a long time. LIGA developed a brand new complex proposal for pre-age allowance system which hopefully will be implemented into legislation.

The demonstration was held on Kossuth square in front of the Hungarian Parliament on 21 November . LIGA has reiterated its demands regarding the review of the Labour Code, which has been modified in 2012, deteriorating workers’ and trade unions’ rights. We also demand the restoration of right to strike and the increase of the minimum wage which ensures an increase in real wages.

Generally weak social dialogue tradition makes social partners’ work difficult. LIGA Trade Unions will continue working to re-establish the practice of tripartite social dialogue in Hungary!
Based on the decision of LIGA Council on 4 December, following that our demonstration on 21 November was ineffectual to respond LIGA Trade Unions demands, LIGA has initiated to organise half lane road cloasures on 15 December between 7:00-16:00 all over the country. In the meanwhile MSZOSZ has also joined the action along with trade unions affiliated to other Hungarian confederations and even some trade unions without national affiliation.

Never-ending wage negotiations

LIGA Trade Unions'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' goal regarding 2015’s wage negotiations is to conclude a 3 or 4 -year long term agreement with the government and with the employers on the rate of net minimum wage (currently 63.000 Ft - about 205 Euro) which should reach the amount of current poverty line (87.000 Ft - about 283 Euro). This would be an increase of 20-25% by the end of this parliamentary term in 2018. LIGA’s proposal fully shares the position of other Hungarian trade union confederations, however at the first negotiations the employers were against the proposal. LIGA is strongly committed to raise this level as more than 1/3 of the Hungarian population lives below the poverty line.

International day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Various activities are arranged around the world to draw attention to the need for continuing action to eliminate violence against women. Equality Committee of LIGA found it important to raise public awareness of violence against women by organising a half-day conference on 25 November.

LIGA Mobile Application- Labour law emergency assistance in your pocket

You need urgent personal consultation on labour law? Just take out your phone, click on the new LIGA application and your GPS will guide your way to the closest LIGA office. We have developed a free labour law mobile application for Android and Apple mobile phones which is available for anyone. Through this innovative application LIGA also gives rapid response to questions related to labour law and makes it easy to search for relevant information. In case of additional needs our colleagues can be contacted by completing a form or by using the map application.

LIGA communication before closing the Norwegian Project

LIGA Trade Unions notes that the project „Enhancing social dialog at various levels”- financed by Norwegian funds contributed positively to revitalizing social dialogue in Hungary with the main focus on the sectorial level.
The activities carried out under the above-mentioned project, conferences, seminars, discussions with employers and publications helped workers and their organizations to expand their knowledge, to build capacity and to establish contacts to protect their interests while strengthening democratic values. The partners LO Norway and IL&IT provided technical and professional assistance by presenting a well-functioning Norwegian social dialogue taking into account principles of democracy and partnership.